Vacuum collection vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vacuum collection vehicle may include a chassis, a vacuum container, a filter unit, a first discharge conduit and a second discharge conduit. The filter unit may include a filter housing that supports a filter independent of opposing interior walls. The vehicle may include a storage container supported by the chassis and containing a vacuum source or hose reel. The vehicle may include inner and outer collection receptacle supports for supporting collection receptacles within the vacuum container.

BACKGROUND

Older buildings and other sites may sometimes contain hazardousmaterials such as asbestos or vermiculite contaminated with asbestos.Removing and collecting such hazardous materials is often tedious,challenging, and expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view schematically illustrated portions of an examplevacuum collection vehicle.

FIG. 2A is a side view schematically illustrated portions of an examplevacuum collection vehicle.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the example vacuum collection vehicle of FIG.2A.

FIG. 3A is a side view schematically illustrated portions of an examplevacuum collection vehicle.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the example vacuum collection vehicle of FIG.3A.

FIG. 4 is a top view schematically illustrating portions of an examplevacuum collection vehicle.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top sectional view illustrating a portion of theexample vacuum collection vehicle of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view illustrating a portion of the examplevacuum collection vehicle of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the example vacuum collection vehicle ofFIG. 4 taken along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating an examplereinforcement post for the example vacuum collection vehicle of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating an examplereinforcement post for the example vacuum collection vehicle of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of an interior of anexample vacuum collection vehicle, illustrating an example dischargesystem of the collection vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an interior ofa vacuum container of the example vacuum collection vehicle of FIG. 10 ,illustrating an example filter unit.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of an interior ofan example storage container of the example vacuum collection vehicle ofFIG. 10 , illustrating an example hose reel and vacuum source within theexample storage container.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarilyto scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearlyillustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examplesand/or implementations consistent with the description; however, thedescription is not limited to the examples and/or implementationsprovided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are example vacuum collection vehicles which facilitate theuse of a vacuum to collect fibrous and particulate materials. Disclosedare example vacuum collection vehicles that may be well suited forremoving and collecting hazardous materials such as asbestos, materialscontaining asbestos or other hazardous and nonhazardous materials thatmay not contain asbestos. The example vacuum collection vehiclesfacilitate such collection in a less complicated and lower cost manner.

The example collection vehicles provide a vacuum container supported bya chassis. The chassis may be part of a towed vehicle such as a traileror may be part of a self-propelled vehicle, such as a truck or the like.The vacuum container may include a filter unit having a filter housingthat supports a filter, wherein a vacuum is created within the vacuumcontainer by drawing air from the interior of the vacuum container andout through the filter. The filter may capture hazardous materialsuspended in the air being drawn from the vacuum container to reduce thedischarge of hazardous material to the outside environment. The examplevacuum collection vehicle may include multiple discharge conduitsconnected to the interior of the vacuum collection vehicle at differentlocations. The material being collected may be drawn or suctionedthrough the different discharge conduits, using the vacuum createdwithin the interior of the vacuum container, and deposited at thedifferent locations correspond to the differently located outlets of thedischarge conduits.

In some implementations, the filter housing that supports the filterforms a post filter interior that is to be connected to a vacuum source,is supported within the vacuum container independent of opposinginterior walls. The phrase “independent of opposing interior walls”refers to the filter housing not being mounted to, fastened to, orotherwise connected to two interior walls of the vacuum container whichface one another. For example, the example filter housings are notmounted to opposing side walls nor are they mounted to both the floorand the roof or ceiling of the vacuum container. In someimplementations, the filter housing is mounted solely to one of the twoside walls, or a front wall of the vacuum container without beingconnected to the other of the two side walls or the rear wall of thevacuum container. In some implementations, filter housing may be mountedsolely to the ceiling or roof of the vacuum container. In someimplementations, the filter housing may be mounted to two adjacent, butnot opposing interior walls of the vacuum container. For example, insome implementations, filter housing may be mounted to a floor and afront wall of the vacuum container, a front wall and a roof or ceilingof the container, a side wall and floor of the vacuum container or aside wall and roof or ceiling of the vacuum container.

Because the filter housing is supported independent of opposing interiorwalls of the vacuum container, the seals between the filter housing andthe supporting interior wall(s), which seal between the post filterinterior and the main interior of the vacuum container, are subject toless torque and less stress during transport of the vehicle which mayreduce the likelihood of damage or stress to the seals. By maintainingthe integrity of the seals, the example vacuum collection vehiclesensure a greater portion of the air being drawn from the vacuumcontainer, to create the vacuum within the vacuum container, passesthrough the filter to discharge cleaner air to the outside environment,such as to be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliant.

The example vacuum collection vehicles may include a storage containersupported by the same chassis that supports the vacuum container. Thestorage chamber is separated from the vacuum source by an intermediatewall. The multiple discharge conduits may extend along the roof of thevacuum container and extend through the intermediate wall. In someimplementations, the storage chamber may contain the vacuum source thatis used to create the vacuum within the vacuum container. In someimplementations, the storage chamber may additionally comprise a hosereel for winding and storing collection hoses that are to be connectedto the discharge conduits and that are used to draw in the materialbeing collected using the vacuum formed in the vacuum container. Withsuch example vacuum collection vehicles, separate transport of vacuumsources and/or collection hoses is eliminated, facilitating use of asingle vehicle to carry out material removal and collection. In someimplementations, the vacuum collection vehicles remain under 26000pounds so as to permit operation without commercial driver's licenses,reducing cost.

The example vacuum collection vehicles may include collectionreceptacles located at the different locations within the vacuumcontainer. Such collection receptacles facilitate withdrawal anddisposal of the collected material, potentially hazardous, at a landfillor other disposal site. In some implementations, the collectionreceptacles may include an inner air transmissive or perforated vacuumor filter bag through which air may be drawn, but wherein the materialbeing collected is too large to pass through the perforations or fabricof the perforated vacuum or filter bag. In some implementations, thecollection receptacles may include an outer non-air transmissive orimperforate bag which is to surround the perforated vacuum bag. Theouter imperforate bag may form an imperforate seal or barrier about thevacuum bag, facilitating its disposal at a landfill or other disposalsite.

In some implementations, the example vacuum collection vehicles mayinclude inner collection receptacle supports and outer collectionreceptacle supports. The inner collection receptacle supports are eachlocated and configured so as to be mountable to the transmissive innercollection receptacle (vacuum or filter bag) so as to support the innercollection receptacle in an upright orientation. In someimplementations, the inner collection receptacle support holds open themouth of an inner collection receptacle that is in the form of a filterbag.

The outer collection receptacle supports are located and configured soas to be mountable to the outer non-transmissive or imperforatecollection receptacle while supporting the outer collection receptacleabout and spaced from the inner collection receptacle. The outercollection receptacle supports support the outer collection receptacleso as to form a sufficient space between the mouth of the outercollection receptacle and the mouth of the inner collection receptaclefor the passage of air through the filter bag and out through the spacebetween the mouth of the outer collection receptacle and the mouth ofthe inner collection receptacle. In one example implementation, thespacing is at least 12 inches.

In some implementations, the inner collection receptacle support and theouter collection receptacle support each comprise a series of clips,clamps, hooks, hangers or the like that clamp, snap, hook or otherwiseengage and releasably attach to portions of the respective inner andouter collection receptacles proximate the mouths of the inner and outercollection receptacles. In some implementations, the inner collectionreceptacle supports, and the outer collection receptacle supports areeach suspended from the ceiling or roof of the vacuum container. In someimplementations, the inner collection receptacle supports and the outercollection receptacle supports project upwardly from the floor of thevacuum container to a height for engaging those portions of therespective containers proximate the mouths of the respective containers.In some implementations, the inner collection receptacle supports andthe outer collection receptacle supports may be cantilevered orprojected from the interior side walls of the vacuum container at aheight for engaging portions of the respective containers proximate themouths of the respective containers.

In some implementations, the example vacuum collection vehicles have asufficiently low weight to reduce fuel or energy consumption duringtravel and to reduce operator licensing requirements. For example, theexample vacuum collection vehicles may have a sufficiently low weight(less than 26,000 pounds with the transported collected material) toavoid the need for a commercial driver's license. Forming the walls ofthe vacuum container from a lower gauge or thinner material reducesweight but may subject the walls to deformation due to the vacuumcreated within the vacuum container. The example vacuum collectionvehicles include additional strength fortifying structures to facilitatethe lower weight vacuum container while maintaining sufficient strengthto withstand the vacuum forces formed within the vacuum container. Insome implementations, angled braces or struts extend between and connectthe side walls and ceiling of the vacuum container at spaced locationsalong the length of the vacuum container. Such struts increase strengthof the vacuum container without impairing the ability of an operator towithdraw the sometimes large and bulky collection receptacles from theinterior of the vacuum container.

In some implementations, the example vacuum collection vehicles mayinclude reinforcement posts projecting from the floor within the vacuumcontainer adjacent to an inner side of an exterior door of the vacuumcontainer. Such reinforcement posts may be withdrawable from the floorso as to not interfere with withdrawal of the collection vehiclesthrough the exterior door. In some implementations, such reinforcementposts may be pivotable between door engaging and reinforcing positionand a collapsed or retracted position in which the reinforcement postsextend parallel to the floor or within a channel or groove formed withinthe floor of the vacuum container. In some implementations, additionalreinforcement posts may project from the ceiling of the vacuum containerand into engagement with an interior side of the exterior door.

The example vacuum collection vehicles may provide enhanced monitoringof and access to the interior of the vacuum container. In someimplementations, the example vacuum collection vehicles may includesensors that output signals indicating an amount of the collectedmaterial at each of the different locations within the vacuum containerthat receive collected material from the different discharge conduits.In some implementations, the sensors may detect the amount of collectedmaterial within the collection receptacles. In some implementations, thesensors may comprise cameras, such as low light or infrared cameras. Thesignals output by the sensors may be transmitted to a portableelectronic device, such as a laptop or smart phone, allowing an operatorto check or monitor the fill state of the different locations of thevacuum container or the different collection receptacles within thevacuum container. In some implementations, signals output by the sensorsmay be transmitted, in a wired or wireless fashion, to a statusindicator that is external to the interior of the vacuum container. Thestatus indicator may comprise a display or monitor, a light-emittingdiode serving as an optical indicator, an auditory indicator or the likeon an external side of the vacuum container or in the cab of the vehicle(when provided).

In some implementations, the signals from the sensor or multiple sensorsmay be communicated to a controller that automatically switches betweensupplying the collected material to the first location or supplying thecollected material to a second location based upon the status of theamount of collected material at the different locations. For example,each of the discharge conduits may be connected to a valve whichselectively connects a connection hose to either of the dischargeconduits. The controller may automatically output control signals, basedupon signals from the sensor, controlling operation of the valve andcontrolling where the material being collected (through the suction ofthe collection hose) is deposited within the vacuum container. Forexample, when signals from the sensor indicate that the first locationor the collection receptacle at the first location is becomingsufficiently full (the level of the collected material within thecollection receptacle has exceeded a predetermined threshold height),the controller may output control signals to the valve causing the valveto occlude and terminate flow through a first discharge conduit to thefirst location or first collection receptacle and open and initiate flowthrough a second discharge conduit to the second location or secondcollection receptacle which may have capacity for receiving additionalcollected material.

Enhanced access to the interior of the vacuum container may be furtherprovided with the provision of a flexible dust/fiber containment wall.In one implementation, the flexible containment wall is formed from apair of flexible overlapping access flaps (sometimes referred to as aZ-door) within the vacuum container, between the exterior door of thevacuum container and the different locations at which the collectedmaterials are deposited within the interior of the vacuum container. Theoverlapping flexible access flaps may form an isolation wall between theexterior door and the outlets of the discharge conduits. At the sametime, the overlapping flexible flaps permit an operator to temporarilybend the flexible flaps and pass between the flexible flaps to gainaccess to the interior of the vacuum container with a reduced likelihoodof airborne material escaping through the opened exterior door of thevacuum container. The flexible containment wall assists in maintainingnegative pressure (“negative air”) within the vacuum container when theexterior door is temporarily opened for access such that air is drawninto the container to inhibit the escape of airborne material.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating portions of anexample vacuum collection vehicle 20. Vacuum collection vehicle 20comprises chassis 22, vacuum container 28, filter unit 32 and pneumaticdischarge system 36. Chassis 22 comprises a frame that underlies andsupports the remaining components of vacuum collection vehicle 20.Although not shown, chassis 22 may be connected to a set of wheels formovably supporting chassis 22 for ground travel. In someimplementations, chassis 22 includes a tongue or other mechanism forfacilitating the towing of chassis 22. In some implementations, chassis22 further supports a propulsion unit, such as an internal combustionengine or motor for driving wheels that movably support chassis 22. Insome implementations, chassis 22 may further supporting cab where anoperator may sit and drive vehicle 20.

Vacuum container 28 comprises a generally sealed enclosure supported bychassis 22. Vacuum container 28 may comprise interior walls that includea floor, a roof, and side walls. In some implementations, vacuumcontainer 28 may include a front wall and a rear exterior door. In someimplementations, vacuum container 28 is sufficiently sized to containmultiple collection receptacles. In such implementations, vacuumcontainer 28 may have an internal volume, extending from a rear offilter unit 32 to the rear of vacuum container 28, sufficiently sized tohold at least four receptacles, such as receptacles 171 describedhereafter. In some implementations, vacuum container 28 may have aninternal volume, extending from a rear of filter unit 32 to the rear ofvacuum container 28, of at least 500 cubic feet. In someimplementations, vacuum container 28 is formed from aluminum, steel, orother materials. As will be described hereafter, in someimplementations, vacuum container 28 may be further strengthened throughthe use of posts, braces and the like.

In some implementations, vacuum container 28 comprises a modifiedconventional steel shipping/cargo container. Such container may have anoverall volume of at least 1,150 cubic feet. Such modifications includealtering the length of the container and adding additional structuralreinforcements as will be described hereafter. In such implementations,the side walls, roof, and front wall of container 28 are made from14-gauge, 0.075-inch corrugated sheet steel panels that are welded to amain structure. In such an implementation, top and bottom side rails andend frames may be formed from 7 gauge tubular steel. In otherimplementations, back container 28 may be formed from other materials.

Filter unit 32 filters air being withdrawn from the interior of vacuumcontainer 28 to create the vacuum within vacuum container 28. Filterunit 32 is at least partially within the vacuum container 28 andcomprises filter 40 and filter housing 44. In one implementation, filter40 may comprise a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. In oneimplementation, filter 40 may comprise multiple different filtermaterials formed in different layers that are stacked or overlap oneanother. In some implementations, filter 40 may comprise multiplesections or panels that extend edge-to-edge or that are arranged in agrid so that form a larger overall filter.

Filter housing 44 supports filter 40 and forms a post filter interior 46adjacent a side or face a filter 40 and a port 48. Port 48 provides anair passage between the post filter interior 46 and a vacuum source. Thevacuum source draws air from interior 46, further drawing air fromwithin the interior of vacuum container 28 through filter 40 to create avacuum within the interior of vacuum container 28.

Filter housing 44 is supported within vacuum container 28 independent ofopposing interior walls. In some implementations, filter housing 44 mayhave an open end that is sealed to and adjacent a rear wall of vacuumcontainer 28. In some implementations, filter housing 44 may have anopen top that is sealed and joined to the ceiling of vacuum container28. In some implementations, filter housing 44 may have an open bottomthat is sealed and joined to the floor of vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, filter housing 44 may have an open end and an openbottom abutting and sealed to a rear wall and a ceiling, respectively,of vacuum container 28. In some implementations, filter housing 44 mayhave a floor that is elevated or on top of the floor of vacuum container28 while having an open and that is joined to the rear wall of thatcontainer 28.

Because filter housing 44 is not physically mounted or connected to twoopposing interior walls of vacuum container 28, the seals between thefilter housing and the supporting interior wall(s), which seal betweenthe post filter interior 46 and the main interior of the vacuumcontainer 28, are subject to less torque and less stress duringtransport of the vehicle 20 which may reduce the likelihood of damage orstress to the seals. By maintaining the integrity of the seals, thevacuum collection vehicle 20 ensures a greater portion of the air beingdrawn from the vacuum container 28, to create the vacuum within thevacuum container 28, passes through the filter 40 to discharge cleanerair to the outside environment.

Pneumatic discharge system 36 is connectable to a collection hose whichsuctions the material being collected and directs the material beingcollected to pneumatic discharge system 36. Pneumatic discharge system36 further directs the collected material to selected locations withinthe interior of vacuum container 28. Pneumatic discharge system 36comprises discharge conduits 50-1 and 50-2 (collectively referred to asconduits 50).

Discharge conduits 50 comprise hoses, piping, plenums, or the likeextending from ports through a wall or walls of vacuum container 28 todifferent locations within the interior of vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, discharge conduits 50 are formed along the ceiling orroof of the interior of vacuum container 28, wherein such conduitsfurther drop down for delivering to a particular location or into acollection receptacle. Discharge conduit 50-1 extends to a firstlocation 52-1 while discharge conduit 50-2 extends to a second location52-2. As indicated by broken lines, some implementations, locations 52-1and 52-2 may correspond to the locations of collection receptacles, suchas bags, bins, tubs, containers, or the like.

Although vacuum collection vehicle 20 is illustrated as having twodischarge conduits 50 for delivering collected material to two differentlocations, in other implementations, collection vehicle 20 may havegreater than two of such discharge conduits 50. Although illustrated asextending from a side wall of vacuum container 28, in otherimplementations, discharge conduits 50 may extend from a front wall, arear wall or a roof of that container 28. In some implementations,discharge conduit 50 may extend from multiple different walls of vacuumcontainer 28. In some implementations, discharge conduits 50 each havean internal diameter of at least 5 inches with an internalcross-sectional area through which material may flow of at least 19square inches, and nominally a diameter of 6 inches.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate portions of an example vacuumcollection vehicle 120. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of how afilter unit may be configured and how discharge conduits may be routedwithin the interior of the vacuum container. Vacuum collection vehicle120 comprises chassis 22, wheels 124, vacuum container 28, filter unit132, pneumatic discharge system 136, inner collection receptacles 170-1,170-2 (collectively referred to as receptacles 170), and outercollection receptacles 172-1, 172-2 (collectively referred to asreceptacles 172).

Chassis 22 is described above and is shown as being movably supported bywheels 124. As noted above, chassis 22 may be configured to be towed bya truck or other separate vehicle or may be part of a self-propelledvehicle having a propulsion unit such as a motor or internal combustionengine to propel a pair of the wheels. Vacuum container 28 is describedabove. As shown by FIGS. 2A and 2B, vacuum container 20 has an interior129 defined by interior walls including floor 60, roof 62, side walls64-1, 64-2 (collectively referred to as side walls 31), rear wall 66,and front wall 68. In some implementations rear wall 66 may be providedwith the rear exterior door. In some implementations, front wall 68 maybe a wall that is shared with another container (the shared wall alsoserving as a wall of the other container), such as a storage container,in front of vacuum container 28.

Filter unit 132 filters air being withdrawn from the main interior 29 ofvacuum container 28 to form a vacuum within interior 29. Filter unit 132reduces the amount of airborne collected material being discharge to theoutside environment surrounding vehicle 120. Filter unit 132 comprisesfilter 140, filter housing 144 and preliminary filter 147.

Filter 140 comprises a two-stage filter composed of a first filter panel147-1 and a second filter panel 147-2 which are stacked in anoverlapping fashion. Filter 140 extends generally perpendicular to theside walls 64 of vacuum container 28, facing the rear wall 66 of vacuumcontainer 28. In some implementations, first filter panel 147-1comprises 27 square feet of filter media while the second filter panel147-2 comprises 430 square feet of filter media, wherein filter panelsmay comprise corrugated or pleated layers of material. The planarsurface area may be formed by a single panel or multiple panelsarranging the grid-like fashion. For example, in some implementations,panel 147-1 may be formed from multiple 4″ by 24″×24″ MERV ratedpre-filters arranged in a grid while panel 147-2 may be formed frommultiple 12″×24″×24″ high-capacity HEPA filters arranged in a grid.

Filter housing 144 is similar to filter housing 44 described above.Filter housing 144 is supported within interior 129 of vacuum container28 independent of opposing interior walls. In the example illustrated,filter housing 144 is supported by floor 60 and front wall 68, having anopen rear that is sealed against front wall 68. In some implementations,filter housing 144 may have an open bottom that is sealed against floor60. In some implementations, filter housing 144 is screwed, bolted,welded, or otherwise joined to floor 60 and front wall 68. In someimplementations, filter housing 144 may simply rest upon floor 60(without being fastened or fixed to floor 60) or may be suspended abovefloor 60, being cantilevered from front wall 68. In the exampleillustrated, filter housing 144 forms vacuum port 148 extending throughfront wall 68 for connecting a vacuum source to post filter interior146.

Prefilter 149 comprises a preliminary filter, configured to permit thepassage of larger particles/fibers therethrough as compared to the sizeof particle/fibers transmissible through filter 140, such that prefilter149 removes larger particles/fibers and reduces the buildup of suchlarger particles/fibers on the face of filter 140. Prefilter 149 extendsacross filter 140. In some implementations prefilter 149 is flexible andis wrapped about or over filter housing 144, across filter 140,providing additional filtering layer. In some implementations comeprefilter 149 may be separately mounted or supported across filter 140.In some implementations, prefilter 149 may be omitted.

Pneumatic discharge system 136 is similar to pneumatic discharge system36 except that system 136 comprises discharge conduits 150-1 and 150-2(collectively referred to as conduits 150). In some implementations,each of conduits 150 have an inner diameter with a cross-sectional areaof at least 19 square inches and nominally 28 square inches. Conduits150 extend from ports 151-1 and 151-2 located in front wall 68 abovefilter support 144. Conduits 150 extend side-by-side along ceiling 62 ofvacuum container 28. Conduit 150-1 extends to a first location 152-1 fordischarging collected material into inner collection receptacle 170-1.Conduit 150-2 extends to a second location 152-2 for dischargingcollected material into inner collection receptacle 170-2.

Inner collection receptacles 170 and 172 are located at the differentlocations within the vacuum container. Such collection receptacles 170,172 facilitate withdrawal and disposal of the collected material,potentially hazardous, at a landfill or other disposal site. Innercollection receptacles 170 each comprises an inner air transmissive orperforated vacuum or filter bag through which air may be drawn, butwherein the material being collected is too large to pass through theperforations or fabric of the perforated vacuum or filter bag. In someimplementations, the inner collection receptacle 170 may comprise a baghaving walls formed from a material such as polypropylene and having acapacity of at least 50 cubic feet and no greater than 75 cubic feet. Insome implementations, inner collection receptacle 170 has perforationssufficiently small so as to block particles or fibers having a sizegreater than 1 micron. During use, the original perforation size maystretch to a slightly enlarged size. As a result, inner collectionreceptacle 170 in combination with filter 140 and prefilter 149 form afour-stage filter.

Outer collection receptacles 172 each comprises an outer non-airtransmissive or imperforate bag which is to surround the perforatedvacuum bag. Each outer collection receptacle 172 forms an imperforateseal or barrier about the inner collection receptacle 170, facilitatingits disposal at a landfill or other disposal site. In someimplementations, during material collection, the outer collectionreceptacle 172 is collapsed adjacent to floor 60, facilitating airflowthrough the inner collection receptacle 170. When material collectionhas been completed, the outer collection receptacle 172 is pulled upover in about the inner collection receptacle 170. As will be describedhereafter, in some implementations, the outer collection receptacle 172may alternatively be supported alongside and about the inner collectionreceptacle 172 during filling of the inner collection receptacle 172 byreceptacle supports, wherein a sufficient space between the mouths ofthe receptacles 171, 172 is established such that the outer collectionreceptacle 172 does not impair or hinder the suction of air through thewalls of the surrounded inner collection receptacle 170. In suchimplementations, the radial distance between the mouths of thereceptacles 170, 172 is at least 6 inches, and nominally between 18 and24 inches.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrated portions of an example vacuumcollection vehicle 220. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of how thechassis may additionally support a storage container in front of thevacuum container to reduce reliance upon additional vehicles fortransporting other equipment such as an external vacuum source andcollection hoses. The storage container may additionally provide easieraccess to the ports of the discharge conduits, reducing reliance uponladders for such access. The storage container additionally shields theports and an operator from the sun, rain, snow, and wind. Vacuumcollection vehicle 220 is similar to vacuum collection vehicle 120described above except that vacuum collection vehicle 220 additionallycomprises storage container 280, vacuum source 282 and collection hosereel 284. In the example illustrated, vacuum container 28 additionallycomprises a rear exterior door 231 which may comprise a single door or apair of doors that swing open to provide access to interior 129 ofvacuum container 28.

Storage container 280 is supported by chassis 22 in front of vacuumcontainer 28. In the example illustrated, storage container 280comprises a rear wall 283 that extends alongside front wall 68 of vacuumcontainer 28. In other implementations, storage container 280 and vacuumcontainer 28 may share a common wall therebetween. Storage container 280includes a side door 281 for providing operator access to the interiorof storage container 280. In the example illustrated, storage container280 and side door 281 are sufficiently sized to allow an operator toenter the interior of storage container 280.

Vacuum source 282 comprises a source that draws air out of the interior129 of vacuum container 28, through filter 140. In some implementations,vacuum source 282 comprises an impeller or multiple impellers that arerotatably driven to draw air out of vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, vacuum source 282 may comprise a gas motor vacuum, anelectric motor vacuum or a power-take-off (PTO) driven vacuum. In someimplementations, vacuum source 282 is mounted in place within storagecontainer 280.

Hose reel 284 comprises a real which the rotatably supported withinstorage container 280. Hose reel 284 facilitates the winding ofcollection hose 286 for storage and for transport. In FIGS. 3A and 3B,storage container 280 is illustrated as passing through the opened door281 and connected to the port of discharge conduit 150-1. The suctionend of collection hose 286 may be extended to a source location 287(shown in broken lines), such as the attic of a structure havingmaterial, such as asbestos, being removed and collected. Upon innercollection receptacle 170-1 becoming sufficiently filled with thecollected material, collection of 286 may be disconnected from dischargeconduit 150-1. The port of discharge conduit 150-2 may be opened and thecollection hose 286 may be attached are connected to the now opened portof discharge conduit 150-2 for delivering collected material to theinner collection receptacle 170-2. Upon disconnection of the collectionhost 286 from the port of discharge conduit 150-1, the port of dischargeconduit 150-1 is plugged or closed such that air being drawn intointerior 129 is largely limited to air being drawn through dischargeconduit 150-2. As should be appreciated, this process may be reversed incircumstances where inner collection receptive 170-2 is first filled.

In some implementations, depending upon the amount of vacuum createdwithin interior 129 by vacuum source 282, two collection hoses 286 maybe concurrently connected to respective discharge conduits 150 tofacilitate concurrent collection of the collected material using bothcollection hoses 286 and both conduits 150. Although vacuum collectionvehicle 220 is illustrated as including two discharge conduits 150,vehicle 220 may include greater than two of such conduits 154discharging collected material at more than two different locationswithin interior 129 of vacuum container 28.

The provision of vacuum source 282 and hose reel 284 in storagecontainer 280 reduces reliance upon additional vehicles for supplyingsuch equipment for the collection and removal of material, such ashazardous material. As a result, such removal and collection are lesscomplex and less costly. As shown by broken lines, in someimplementation, chassis 22 may additionally support a propulsion unit290 which results in vehicle 220 being a self-propelled vehicle.Propulsion unit 290 may comprise an internal combustion engine (ICE) oran electric motor (M) for driving either front wheels or rear wheels124. In such implementations, chassis 22 may additionally support a cabfor seating an operator.

FIGS. 4-8 schematically illustrate portions of an example vacuumcollection vehicle 320. Although vehicle 320 includes all of thefeatures shown in FIGS. 4-8 , some of the illustrated features shown insome figures are omitted from other figures for ease of illustration.FIGS. 4-8 illustrate an alternative configuration for a filter unit,examples of how the inner and outer collection receptacles may besupported to overcome challenges pertaining to the sealing of internalcollection receptacles, examples of how enhanced access may be providedto the interior of the vacuum container, examples of how the fill stateof collection receptacles within vacuum container 28 may be monitored,examples of how the delivery of collected material may be automaticallyswitched between different locations within the interior of vacuumcontainer 28, and examples of how the vacuum container may bestrengthened to reduce the overall weight of the vacuum container forreducing fuel or energy consumption and for reducing operator licensingrequirements. As with all of the figures of the present disclosure,those components of FIGS. 4-8 which correspond to components of earlierimplementations are numbered similarly. Vacuum collection vehicle 320 issimilar to vacuum collection vehicle 220 except that vacuum collectionvehicle 320 comprises filter unit 332 in place of filter unit 132 andadditionally comprises inner collection receptacle supports 400, outercollection receptacle supports 402, access flaps 404, sensors 408-1,408-2, 410-1, 410-2, fill state indicator 412, valve 414, controller416, braces 420 and reinforcement posts 422-1, 422-2.

Filter unit 132 filters air being withdrawn from the main interior 129of vacuum container 28 to form a vacuum within interior 129. Filter unit332 reduces the amount of airborne collected material being discharge tothe outside environment surrounding vehicle 320. Filter unit 332comprises filters 340, filter housing 344 and preliminary filters 347.

Filters 340 comprise a pair of filters supported by filter housing 344at spaced locations on opposite sides of a post filter interior 346. Inthe example illustrated, filters 340 extend parallel to one another,facing the side walls 64 of vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, filter 340 may return to the extend at angles obliquerelative to one another while still facing the opposite side walls 64 ofvacuum container 28. Because filters 340 extend in a direction parallelto or otherwise along the longitudinal axis of vacuum container 28, thelength of filter 340 is not limited to the transverse width of backcontainer 28, the distance between the opposing side walls 64 of vacuumcontainer 28. Instead, filters 340 may extend by desired distance alongthe longitudinal length of vacuum container 28 which is greater than thetransverse width of vacuum container 28. As a result, filters 340 mayprovide an enlarged surface area through which air may flow when beingfiltered. This may be especially advantageous in circumstances where theoverall surface area of such filters 340 might otherwise be limited dueto height restrictions caused by the provision of braces 420.

Similar to filter 140, each of filters 340 comprises a two-stage filtercomposed of a first filter panel 147-1 and a second filter panel 147-2which are stacked in an overlapping fashion. In some implementations,first filter panel 147-1 comprises a filter media having a MinimumEfficiency Reporting Value of between 8 and 13 while the second filterpanel 147-2 comprises HEPA. that filter panels may comprise corrugatedor wavy layers of material. In some implementations, each of filterpanels 147-1 and 147-2 have a face having a planar surface area of atleast 16 square feet, providing a sufficient area for air flow intofilter 340. The planar surface area may be formed by a single panel ormultiple panels arranging the grid-like fashion. For example, in someimplementations, panel 147-1 may be formed from multiple 4″ by 24″×24″MERV rated pre-filters arranged in a grid while panel 147-2 may beformed from multiple 12″×24″×24″ high-capacity HEPA filters arranged ina grid.

Prefilters 349 are similar to prefilters 149 described above. Prefilters349 comprises panels or sheets of filtering material across and over thefaces of filters 340 to provide an additional filtering stage. In someimplementations, prefilters 349 comprise a polypropylene material. Insome implementations, prefilters 349 may be omitted.

Filter housing 344 is similar to filter housings 44 and 144 describedabove. Filter housing 344 is supported within interior 129 of vacuumcontainer 28 independent of opposing interior walls. In the exampleillustrated, filter housing 344 is supported by floor 60 and front wall68, having an open rear that is sealed against front wall 68. In someimplementations, filter housing 344 may have an open bottom that issealed against floor 60. In some implementations, filter housing 344 isscrewed, bolted, welded, or otherwise joined to floor 60 and front wall68. In some implementations, filter housing 344 may simply rest uponfloor 60 (without being fastened or fixed to floor 60) or may besuspended above floor 60, being cantilevered from front wall 68. In someimplementations, filter housing 344 is formed by a pair of opposingspaced filter racks having individual compartments for supporting andframing individual filter panels in a grid-like arrangement. The pairopposing spaced filter racks extent on opposite sides of the post filterinterior 346, which is further formed by a top wall and a rear wallspanning between the racks.

In the example illustrated, filter housing 344 forms a pair of vacuumports 148, 151 extending through front wall 68 for connecting a vacuumsource to post filter interior 146. Because vacuum ports 148, 151 arevertically stacked, one port above the other, the width of filter unit332 may be reduced.

As schematically shown by FIGS. 4 and 7 , vehicle 320 additionallycomprises pressure sensors 425-1 and 425-2 (collectively referred to assensors 4 to 5). Pressure sensor 425-1 senses the pressure withininterior 129 of vacuum container 28. Pressure sensor 425-2 senses thepressure within the post filter interior 346 of filter unit 332. Sensors425 facilitate monitoring of the state of filter unit 332. For example,a sufficient difference between the pressure values indicated bypressure sensors 425-1 and 425-2 may indicate blockage or occlusion ofprefilters 349 or filter 340, indicating that such filters should becleaned or replaced. Such blockage may reduce the overall vacuum formedwithin vacuum container 28. In some implementations, the vacuum createdwithin interior 129 of vacuum container 28 is at least 20 inches H20vacuum and no greater than 35 inches H20 vacuum. Such pressuresfacilitate the suction with sufficient lift for vacuuming of bulkmaterials using one connection hose 286 or two connection hoses 286concurrently connected to two of discharge conduits for concurrent use.In such implementations, the vacuum created within post filter interior346 is 1 inch to 2 inches H20 vacuum above the vacuum pressure beingcreated within vacuum container 28.

In some implementations, the readout (the location where the dial gauge,digital or other measurement value may be optically observed by anoperator) for pressure sensor 425-1 is located within interior 129 ofvacuum container 28 or on the exterior of vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, the readout for pressure sensor 425-2 is located alongthe interior side wall of storage container 280. In yet otherimplementations, pressure sensors 425 may transmit signals indicatingthe pressure readings to a display or other indicator, such as a monitorin the cab of the vehicle, and/or a monitor along an exterior side ofvacuum container 28 or the like. In some implementations, controller 416may receive such signals and may output signals causing an alarm orother alert in response to a pressure difference between the pressuresread by sensor 425-1 in the pressure read by sensor 425-2 being greaterthan a predetermined threshold. For example, in some implementations, analert may be output in response to the pressure difference exceeding adifference of 1.0 inches H20 vacuum.

As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6 , inner collection receptacle supports 400 areeach located and configured so as to be mountable to the transmissiveinner collection receptacle (vacuum or filter bag) 170 so as to supportthe inner collection receptacle 170 in an upright orientation. In someimplementations, the inner collection receptacle support 400 holds openthe mouth of an inner collection receptacle that is in the form of afilter bag. The outer collection receptacle supports 402 are located andconfigured so as to be mountable to the outer non-transmissive orimperforate collection receptacle 172 while supporting the outercollection receptacle 172 about and spaced from the inner collectionreceptacle 170. The outer collection receptacle supports 402 support theouter collection receptacle 172 so as to form a sufficient space betweenthe mouth of the outer collection receptacle 172 and the mouth of theinner collection receptacle 170 for the passage of air through thefilter bag and out through the space between the mouth of the outercollection receptacle and the mouth of the inner collection receptacle.In one example implementation, the spacing S is at least 6 inches, andnominally between 18 inches and 24 inches.

In some implementations, the inner collection receptacle supports 400and the outer collection receptacle supports 402 each comprise a seriesof clips, hooks, hangers or the like that snap, hook or otherwise engageportions of the respective inner and outer collection receptaclesproximate the mouths of the inner and outer collection receptacles. Inthe example illustrated, the inner collection receptacle supports 400and the outer collection receptacle supports 402 are each suspended fromthe ceiling or roof 62 of the vacuum container 28. In someimplementations, inner collection receptacle supports 400 and the outercollection receptacle supports 402 project upwardly from the floor 60 ofthe vacuum container 28 to a height for engaging those portions of therespective containers proximate the mouths of the respective containers.In some implementations, the inner collection receptacle supports 400and the outer collection receptacle supports 402 may be cantilevered orproject from the interior side walls 64 of the vacuum container 28 at aheight for engaging portions of the respective receptacles 170, 172proximate the mouths of the respective receptacles 170, 172.

The example vacuum collection vehicle 320 provides enhanced access tothe interior of the vacuum container. Enhanced access to the interior ofthe vacuum container 28 is provided with the provision of a pair offlexible overlapping access flaps 404 (sometimes referred to as aZ-door) within the vacuum container 28, between the exterior door 231 ofthe vacuum container 28 and the different locations at which thecollected materials deposited within the interior 129 of the vacuumcontainer 28. The overlapping flexible access flaps 404 may form anisolation wall between the exterior door 231 and the outlets of thedischarge conduits 150. At the same time, the overlapping flexibleaccess flaps 404 permit an operator to temporarily bend the flexibleflaps 404 and pass between the flexible flaps 404 to gain access to theinterior 129 of the vacuum container 28 with a reduced likelihood ofairborne material escaping through the opened exterior door of thevacuum container 28.

The example vacuum collection vehicle 320 further provides enhancedmonitoring of the fill state of receptacles 170 within vacuum container28. Sensors 408 and 410 output signals indicating a fill state ofreceptacles 170. Sensors 408 are mounted to the ceiling 62 and/or sidewalls 64 of vacuum container 28. Sensors 410-1 and 410-2 are mounted tothe underside of respective discharge conduits 150-1 and 150-2 so as todirectly overlie the mouths of receptacles 170-1 and 170-2,respectively. Sensors 408-1 and 410-1 monitor the fill state ofreceptacle 170-1 while sensors 408-2 and 410-2 monitor the fill state ofreceptacle 170-2.

In some implementations, the sensors 408, 410 may comprise cameras, suchas low light or infrared cameras. The signals output by the sensors 408,410 may be transmitted to a portable electronic device 430, such as alaptop or smart phone, allowing an operator to check or monitor the fillstate of the different locations of the vacuum container 28 or thedifferent collection receptacles 170 within the vacuum container 28. Insome implementations, signals output by the sensors 408, 410 may betransmitted, in a wired or wireless fashion, to fill state indicator 412that is external to the interior of the vacuum container 28. The fillstate indicator foreign to may comprise a display or monitor, alight-emitting diode serving as an optical indicator, an auditoryindicator or the like on an external side of the vacuum container 28 orin the cab of the vehicle (when provided).

Valve 414 controls the passage of air to either (or both) of dischargeconduits 150-1, 150-2. Valve 414 comprises an inlet port 444 connectionto collection hose 286. Valve 414 further comprises valve conduits442-1, 442-2 connected to discharge conduits 150-1 and 150-2,respectively. Valve 414 comprises an internal plate, baffle or the likewhich is movable between a first position in which flow from port 440 isdirected to discharge conduit 150-1, a second position in which flowfrom port 440 is directed to discharge conduit 150-2 and a thirdposition which flow from port 440 is concurrently directed to both ofconduits 150. In some implementations, valve 414 may alternativelycomprise a two-way valve wherein flow from port 440 is directed to oneor the other of conduits 150-1, 150-2. Valve 414 facilitates theswitching of material flow between conduits 150-1 and 150-2 with lessoperator involvement.

Controller 416 comprises a processing unit that follows instructionscontained in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Controller 416receives signals from sensors 408 and 410. Based upon such signals,controller 416 automatically outputs control signals to valve 414 toswitch material flow between discharge conduits 150-1 and 150-2. Forexample, in some implementations, when signals from the sensors 408and/or 410 indicate that the first location or the collection receptacle170-1 at the first location is becoming sufficiently full (the level ofthe collected material 445 within the collection receptacle 170-1 hasexceeded a predetermined threshold height), the controller 416 mayoutput control signals to the valve 414 causing the valve 414 to occludeand terminate flow through a first discharge conduit 150-1 to the firstlocation or first collection receptacle 170-1 and open and initiate flowthrough a second discharge conduit 150-2 to the second location orsecond collection receptacle 170-2 which may have capacity for receivingadditional collected material 445. In some implementations, suchwitching may be manually carried out based upon information obtainedfrom fill status indicator 412 and/or portable electronic device 430without the use of controller 416. In some implementations, such flowswitching may be overridden by an operator. In some implementations,controller 416 may be omitted where such manual switching is performed.In some implementations, fill state indicator 412 or the use of portableelectronic device 430 may be omitted where such flow switching iscontrolled by controller 416.

In some implementations, the example vacuum collection vehicle 320 has asufficiently low weight to reduce fuel or energy consumption duringtravel and to reduce operator licensing requirements. For example, theexample vacuum collection vehicle 320 may have a sufficiently low weight(less than 26,000 pounds with the transported collected material) toavoid the need for a commercial driver's license. Forming the walls ofthe vacuum container 28 from a lower gauge or thinner material reducesweight but may subject the walls to deformation due to the vacuumcreated within the vacuum container. The example vacuum collectionvehicles include additional strength fortifying structures to facilitatethe lower weight vacuum container 28 while maintaining sufficientstrength to withstand the vacuum forces formed within the vacuumcontainer. As shown by FIGS. 5-7 , the example vacuum collection vehicle320 comprises angled braces 420 that extend between and connect the sidewalls 64 and ceiling 62 of the vacuum container 28 at spaced locationsalong the length of the vacuum container 28. Such struts or braces 420increase strength of the vacuum container 28 without impairing theability of an operator to withdraw the sometimes large and bulkycollection receptacles from the interior of the vacuum container.

In the particular example shown in FIG. 7 , braces 420 are each part ofa larger C-bracket 470 which provides additional strength to the sidewalls and roof of vacuum container 28. In the example illustrated, eachC-bracket 470 comprises a roof brace 472 extending along ceiling 62 andconnected it opposite ends to the opposing braces 420. Each C-bracket470 further comprises wall braces 474 that vertically extend along sidewalls 64 of vacuum container 28. Each wall brace 474 as an upper endconnected to a corresponding one of braces 420 and a lower end mountedto the floor 60 of vacuum container 28 by an L-shaped floor bracket 476.C-brackets 470 are located at spaced locations along the longitudinallength of vacuum container 28. C-brackets 470 strengthen and rigidifythe side walls and roof of vacuum container 28 such that the side wallsand roof of vacuum container 28 may be made from a lighter weightmaterial for example, C-brackets 470 provide sufficient strength to theside walls and roof of a standard steel shipping/cargo container havingwalls made from 14 gauge, 0.075 inch corrugated steel sheet panels suchthat the modified steel shipping/cargo container may withstand theinternal vacuum generated within the interior of the container. In suchimplementations, the vacuum created within interior 129 of container 28may be at least 20 inches H20 vacuum pressure to suction the materialbeing collected at a satisfactory rate. As result, the modified steelshipping/cargo container forming vacuum container 28 is sufficientlystrong to withstand the internal vacuum used to suction the materialbeing collected, but is also sufficiently light to reduce energyconsumption to transport vehicle 320 and to potentially reduce operatorlicensing requirements otherwise required to operate vehicles having aweight greater than a predetermined threshold, such as a weight greaterthan or equal to 26,000 pounds.

As further shown by FIG. 7 , in the example illustrated, the front wall68 of container 28 is further reinforced with an angle iron or L-shapedbracket 478 (shown in broken lines) extending across the transversewidth of wall 68. In one implementation, bracket 478 is mounted externalto the interior 129 of vacuum container 128, across the interior rearwall of storage container 280, opposite to front wall 68 of vacuumcontainer 28. For example, bracket 478 may have ends bolted or joined tothe vertical corner posts along the rear wall of storage container 280and may have intermediate portions bolted to front wall 68 with boltspassing through front wall 68. In some implementations, vehicle 320 maybe provided with additional similar reinforcement brackets for furthersupporting rigidifying front wall 68 or other walls vacuum container 28to enhance ability of vacuum container 28 withstand the vacuum pressurescreated by vacuum source 282.

As shown by FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 , the example vacuum collection vehicle 320comprises reinforcement posts 422-1 and 422-2 (collectively referred toas posts 422). Posts 422 limit the extent to which exterior door 231(whether a single door or a pair of door halves) may be flexed or drawninward as a result of the vacuum within vacuum container 28.Reinforcement posts 422-1 extend from the ceiling 62 of the vacuumcontainer 28 and into engagement with an interior side of the exteriordoor 231. In some implementations, reinforcement posts 422-1 may bereplaced with an L-shaped angle iron or support bracket mounted to therear wall or ceiling of vacuum container 28 and having a leg thatextends into the door opening so as to abut an interior side of the door231, when closed.

Reinforcement posts 422-2 project from the floor 60 within the vacuumcontainer 28 adjacent to an exterior door 231 of the vacuum container.As shown by FIG. 8 , reinforcement posts 422-2 are received within flooropenings 454 in an upright orientation and are withdrawable from thefloor (as shown by arrow 456) so as to not interfere with withdrawal ofthe collection vehicles through the exterior door 231. Upon beingwithdrawn, posts 422-2 do not project upward from the floor where theymight otherwise catch upon receptacles being withdrawn from back incontainer 28.

As shown by FIG. 9 , in some implementations, such reinforcement posts422-2 may be pivotable between door engaging and reinforcing position(shown in solid lines) and a collapsed or retracted position (shown inbroken lines) in which the reinforcement posts extend parallel to thefloor 60 or within a channel or groove 458 formed within the floor 60 ofthe vacuum container 28. In the example illustrated, posts 422-2 pivotabout an axis 460 perpendicular to the plane of door 231 (which pivotsabout a hinge 461) in some implementations, additional reinforcementposts may project from the side wall 64 of vacuum container 28. Suchreinforcement posts may be withdrawable similar to the reinforcementposts 422-2 shown in FIG. 8 or may be pivotable between projecting andretracted positions similar to the reinforcement posts 422-2 shown inFIG. 9 .

As shown by FIG. 4 , vacuum collection vehicle 320 further dampens noiselevels that may exist within storage container 280 due to the operationof vacuum source 282. In the example illustrated, the air dischargeoutlet of vacuum source 282 is connected to a floor port 285 within thefloor of storage container 280. This results in the decibel level withinstorage container 280 being reduced. In other implementations, vacuumsource 282 may include a discharge port that discharges air into theinterior of storage container 280 or is connected to a hose thatdischarges air through the opening of door 281.

As further shown by FIG. 4 , in some implementations, the interior wallsof storage container 280 are lined with a soundproofing material 443.The soundproofing material 443 may be in the form of soundproofingpanels. For example, in some implementations, the interior of storagecontainer may be lined with a cellulose fiber panel having a thicknessof 1 inch or greater. In some implementations, the panels may compriseHomasote 440 SoundBarrier 1″×4′×8′ Sound Deadening panels fastened,bonded otherwise secured along the interior of storage container 280. Insome implementations, such panels may line the floor, front wall,ceiling, and side walls of storage container. In some implementations,soundproofing material 443 may be omitted.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate vacuum collection vehicle 520. Vacuum collectionvehicle 520 similar to vehicle collection vehicle 320 described aboveexcept that vacuum collection vehicle 520 comprises the particularexample implementations of various components of vehicle 320. FIG. 10illustrates an example implementation of a pneumatic discharge systemand an example implementation of inner and outer collection receptaclesupport. FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation of a filter unitwithin back in container 28. FIG. 12 illustrates an exampleimplementation of a storage container and vacuum source. Remainingcomponents or features of vacuum collection vehicle 520 are shown anddescribed above with respect to FIGS. 4-9 .

As shown by 10, vacuum collection vehicle 520 comprises pneumaticdischarge system 536 in place of pneumatic discharge system 136. Likepneumatic discharge system 136, mag discharge system 536 deliverscollected material to various space locations within vacuum container28. Pneumatic discharge system 536 comprises discharge conduits 550-1,550-2, 550-3, 550-4, 550-5, 550-6, 550-7 and 550-8 (collectivelyreferred to as discharge conduits 550). Each of such conduits 550extends from a corresponding inlet 551 that extends through wall 68,above filter unit 532 shown in FIG. 11 , to the interior of storagecontainer 280 for connection to connection hose 286. The vacuum formedwithin vacuum container 28 draws collected material from the inlet ofthe collection of 286, through the collection hose 286 and through theconnected discharge conduits 550. The collected material drawn throughthe particular discharge conduit 550 is discharged through thecorresponding downspout 553 of the particular discharge conduit 550.

In the example illustrated, discharge conduits 550 have varying lengthsand are transversely spaced along a width of front wall 68 such that thedownspout 553 discharge collected material at different space locationswithin vacuum container 28. In the example illustrated, dischargeconduits 550 discharge collected material in two rows of locations alongthe interior vacuum container 28, where each row comprises fourlongitudinally spaced locations. In the example illustrated, each ofdischarge conduits 550 comprises a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe havinga diameter of at least 5 inches and nominally 6 inches. In otherimplementations, vehicle 520 may have a greater or fewer number of suchdischarge conduits 550. In other implementations, the discharge conduit550 may have differing sizes and may have different discharge locations.

As further shown by FIG. 10 , vacuum collection vehicle 520 comprisesinner collection receptacle support 600 and outer collection receptaclesupports 602. Inner collection receptacle support 600 comprises a ringor hose clamp that secures the mouth of inner collection receptacle 170about the associated downspout 553. Outer collection receptacle support602 may comprise a spring clamp having a spring biased jaw that clampsto opposite sides of the sheet forming the mouth of outer collectionreceptacle 172 (transparently shown). In other implementations, supports600, 602 may comprise other forms of clamps, hooks, or the like.

As shown by FIG. 11 , vacuum collection vehicle 520 comprises filterunit 532 in place of filter unit 132. Filter unit 532 comprises filter540 and filter housing 546. Filter housing 546 comprises a pair ofcompartmentalized cabinets or racks 608-1, 608-2 (collectively referredto as racks 608) which of abut rear wall 68 of backing container 28 inwhich further abut floor 60 of vacuum container 28. Racks 608 are spacedapart one another and extend from front wall 68 in a longitudinaldirection towards the rear of vacuum compartment 28. Filter unit 546further comprises a top imperforate panel 610 and a rear imperforatepanel 612 (both of which are transparently shown) which enclose and sealthe post-filter interior 546 form between racks 608. Post-filterinterior 546 is connected to vacuum ports 148, 151 (shown in FIG. 7 )which extends through front wall 68 to vacuum source 582 (shown in FIG.12 ).

Each of racks 608 comprises a grid-like arrangement of six compartments,wherein each of such compartments contains a portion of filter 540.Because racks 608 include multiple compartments, a large filtering areamay be provided through the use of multiple smaller individual filters,reducing cost. The individual smaller filters may be individuallyreplaced as needed, further reducing cost. Because the racks 608 extendrearwardly from front wall 68, longer racks having more than sixcompartments and providing an even larger filtering surface area may beprovided in other implementations without requiring substantialmodifications to vacuum container 28.

In the example illustrated, filter 540 comprises multiple 4″ by 24″×24″MERV rated pre-filters 547-1 arranged and from multiple 12″×24″×24″high-capacity HEPA filters 547-2 arranged in a grid. For ease ofillustration, some of the prefilters 547-1 supported by racks 608-1 areomitted to illustrate the HEPA filters 547-2 which are supported behindthe MERV rated prefilters 547-1. In some implementations, the MERV ratedprefilters 547-1 comprise a prefilter having an MERV rating of between 8and 13 and formed from a material such as polyester or cotton fabric. Inother implementations, filter unit 526 may employ other filters andprefilters.

As shown by FIG. 12 , vacuum collection vehicle 520 comprises vacuumsource 582 and hose reel 584 within storage container 280. Vacuum source582 comprises a pair of vacuum units 620-1, 620-2 that each include arotatably driven impellers. Vacuum unit 620-1 has an inlet 621 connectedto vacuum port 148 by conduit 623-1. Vacuum unit 620-2 has an inlet 621connected to vacuum port 151 by conduit 623-02. Conduits 623-1 and 623-2have shaped such that vacuum port 151 is vertically above port 148,facilitating closer transverse positioning of racks 608. In the exampleillustrated, each of vacuum sources 620 has a discharge port 625 thatdischarges air to the interior of storage container 280. As describedabove, in some implementations, each of such discharge port 65 may beconnected by a conduit to a floor port for reducing noise within storagecontainer 280. In some implementations, vacuum source 582 may comprise asingle vacuum unit.

Hose reel 584 comprise a reel rotatably mounted to a front wall ofstorage container 280. Hose reel 584 stores collection hose 286 whencollection hose 286 is not being used. In some implementations, the hosereel 286 is mounted within storage container 280 prior to the placementof vacuum container on the chassis adjacent the storage container 280.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from thedisclosure. For example, although different example implementations mayhave been described as including features providing various benefits, itis contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with oneanother or alternatively be combined with one another in the describedexample implementations or in other alternative implementations. Becausethe technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not allchanges in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosuredescribed with reference to the example implementations and set forth inthe following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible.For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting asingle particular element also encompass a plurality of such particularelements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claimsmerely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, arenot to be specifically associated with a particular order or particularnumbering of elements in the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum collection vehicle comprising: achassis; a vacuum container supported by the chassis, the vacuumcontainer comprising interior walls including a floor, a roof, and sidewalls; a filter unit within the vacuum container, the filter unitcomprising: a filter; and a filter housing supporting the filter andforming a post filter interior, the post filter interior being adjacenta first side of the filter and having a port for connection to a vacuumsource, wherein the filter housing is supported within the vacuumcontainer independent of opposing interior walls; a pneumatic dischargesystem comprising: a first discharge conduit having a first inlet forreceiving pressurized gas carrying collected material and a first outletto discharge the collected material at a first location in the vacuumcontainer; and a second discharge conduit having a second inlet forreceiving pressurized gas carrying collected material and a secondoutlet to discharge the collected material at a second location in thevacuum container; a storage container supported by the chassis; and awall sandwiched between the vacuum container and the storage container,wherein the inlet of the first discharge conduit extends through thewall.
 2. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1 further comprising thevacuum source within the storage container and connected to the port ofthe filter unit.
 3. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 2, whereinthe vacuum source has a discharge port to discharge air through a floorof the storage container.
 4. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 2further comprising a hose reel within the storage container to store acollection hose for connection to the first discharge conduit.
 5. Thevacuum collection vehicle of claim 1 further comprising: an inlet portfor connection to a collection hose; and a valve to selectively connectthe inlet port to one of the first discharge conduit and the seconddischarge conduit.
 6. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 5 furthercomprising: a sensor within the vacuum container to output signalsindicating an amount of collected material at the first location in thevacuum container; and a controller to automatically actuate the valve toconnect the inlet port to the second discharge conduit based upon thesignals from the sensor.
 7. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1further comprising: an inner collection receptacle support within thevacuum container and mountable to an air transmissive inner collectionreceptacle to support the inner collection receptacle in an uprightorientation; and an outer collection receptacle support within thevacuum container and mountable to a non-air transmissive outercollection receptacle to support the outer collection receptacle aboutand spaced from the inner collection receptacle.
 8. The vacuumcollection vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a second filter unitwithin the vacuum container, the second filter unit comprising: a secondfilter; and a second filter housing supporting the second filter andforming a second post filter interior adjacent a first side of thesecond filter, the second filter housing being supported within thevacuum container independent of opposite interior walls, wherein thefilter and the second filter face the side walls of the vacuumcontainer.
 9. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1, wherein thevacuum container further comprises an exterior door, the vacuumcollection vehicle further comprising: a first flexible flap and asecond flexible flap overlapping the first flexible flap, the firstflexible flap and the second flexible flap forming an isolation wallbetween the exterior door and the outlet of the first discharge conduit.10. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vacuumcontainer further comprises an exterior door, the vacuum collectionvehicle further comprising: reinforcement posts projecting from thefloor within the vacuum container adjacent the exterior door, whereinthe reinforcement posts are removable or retractable.
 11. The vacuumcollection vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vacuum container furthercomprises braces angularly extending between the roof and the sidewalls.
 12. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1 further comprising asensor supported by the vacuum container to output signals indicating anamount of the collected material at the first location within the vacuumcontainer.
 13. The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1, wherein thevacuum container has an interior volume of at least 500 cubic feet. 14.The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 1 further comprising: wheelssupporting the chassis; and an internal combustion engine or motoroperably coupled to the wheels to drive the wheels.
 15. A vacuumcollection vehicle comprising: a chassis; a vacuum container supportedby the chassis, the vacuum container comprising a floor, a roof, andside walls; a storage container supported by the chassis and separatedfrom the vacuum container by an intermediate wall; a filter; a vacuumsource supported within the storage container and in pneumaticconnection with the filter to draw air from an interior of the vacuumcontainer through the filter and to discharge the air followingfiltering; a plurality of discharge conduits extending through theintermediate wall, the plurality of discharge conduits extending alongthe roof of the vacuum container and having a plurality of respectiveoutlets at different locations within the interior of the vacuumcontainer for discharging collected material into different collectionreceptacles; and a hose reel supported within the storage container. 16.The vacuum collection vehicle of claim 15 further comprising a filterhousing supporting the filter within the vacuum container independent ofthe side walls of the vacuum container.
 17. A vacuum collection vehiclecomprising: a chassis; a vacuum container supported by the chassis, thevacuum container comprising interior walls including a floor, a roof,and side walls; a filter unit within the vacuum container, the filterunit comprising: a filter; and a filter housing supporting the filterand forming a post filter interior, the post filter interior beingadjacent a first side of the filter and having a port for connection toa vacuum source, wherein the filter housing is supported within thevacuum container independent of opposing interior walls; a second filterunit within the vacuum container, the second filter unit comprising: asecond filter; and a second filter housing supporting the second filterand forming a second post filter interior adjacent a first side of thesecond filter, the second filter housing being supported within thevacuum container independent of opposite interior walls, wherein thefilter and the second filter face the side walls of the vacuumcontainer; a pneumatic discharge system comprising: a first dischargeconduit having a first inlet for receiving pressurized gas carryingcollected material and a first outlet to discharge the collectedmaterial at a first location in the vacuum container; and a seconddischarge conduit having a second inlet for receiving pressurized gascarrying collected material and a second outlet to discharge thecollected material at a second location in the vacuum container.
 18. Avacuum collection vehicle comprising: a chassis; a vacuum containersupported by the chassis, the vacuum container comprising an exteriordoor and interior walls including a floor, a roof, and side walls; afilter unit within the vacuum container, the filter unit comprising: afilter; and a filter housing supporting the filter and forming a postfilter interior, the post filter interior being adjacent a first side ofthe filter and having a port for connection to a vacuum source, whereinthe filter housing is supported within the vacuum container independentof opposing interior walls; a pneumatic discharge system comprising: afirst discharge conduit having a first inlet for receiving pressurizedgas carrying collected material and a first outlet to discharge thecollected material at a first location in the vacuum container; and asecond discharge conduit having a second inlet for receiving pressurizedgas carrying collected material and a second outlet to discharge thecollected material at a second location in the vacuum container; and afirst flexible flap and a second flexible flap overlapping the firstflexible flap, the first flexible flap and the second flexible flapforming an isolation wall between the exterior door and the outlet ofthe first discharge conduit.